'Wouldn't surprise me' - Liverpool tipped to make major transfer change despite $181m outlay

Anfield legend Jan Molby believes Liverpool could again look to improve its midfield this summer. Jürgen Klopp overhauled his midfield options before the start of this season, letting Jordan Henderson and Fabinho depart, alongside Naby Keïta, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

In came Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endō and Ryan Gravenberch, with a hefty $181m (£145m/€168m) spent on the four transfers. The arrivals have all had spells of decent performances, although Mac Allister has been the most consistent since his switch from Brighton.

Arne Slot is set to arrive as Liverpool's new head coach, meaning he will have complete control over transfers. The Reds' transfer dealings will instead be led by incoming sporting director Richard Hughes, who will work under predecessor Michael Edwards.

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And Molby points to Liverpool's success during Edwards' first spell at the club, in which the Reds won the Premier League and Champions League. He believes the performances of Fabinho, Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum were vital, and feels a similar dynamic will be needed to challenge again next term.

"It wouldn't surprise me if Michael Edwards is sitting down and going 'we need to rebuild that midfield'. It is the one position, more than anything, that wins you trophies," he told The Anfield Index Podcast.

"You look at Manchester City's midfield, the improvement at Arsenal since it signed Declan Rice. If you look at what we were like when we were at our best, with Fabinho, Henderson and Wijnaldum, that was Michael Edwards' midfield. Their numbers in terms of playing in a team were unbelievable.

"It wouldn't surprise me if they sit down and try to improve the midfield again. Endō has done OK but it is 60-70 minutes, maybe 30 times a season. That's not enough. Give Stefan Bajčetić time, he is a young player. Curtis Jones, looks great one minute and then the next you're not too sure. Szoboszlai probably needs 12 months to settle in but I think that will be a big issue to solve."

Liverpool is likely to prioritize other areas this summer with a central defender expected to be targeted as Joël Matip prepares to depart on a free transfer. The Athletic also claims the Reds are looking to sign another wide attacker ahead of Slot's arrival.

Liverpool.com says: City and Arsenal have certainly benefited from having world-class midfields but let's not forget, those in there for Liverpool this season were all new signings. They will improve next term after a year of playing together. More will certainly be expected of Szoboszlai but there is a feeling that a long-term upgrade on Endō could be sought.